Even if we’re only a few matches in since the T20 World Cup began, both good and bad have already happened to team favorites like India.
Underdogs are also starting to prove that their place in the World Cup makes sense, and with still so much to look forward to, it’s interesting to see how things will continue for all of them.
India’s Dilemma
The Indian cricket team is currently dealing with a serious selection headache as they prepare for their T20 World Cup match against Namibia in New Delhi. While India is coming off a win against the USA, the camp is just really far from relaxed.
Between sudden illnesses and training injuries, head coach Gautam Gambhir has some tough calls to make before the team faces Pakistan on February 15. Let’s have a look at the challenges currently facing the Men in Blue and how the lineup might change for tonight’s game.
The biggest concern for the team management right now is the opening slot. Abhishek Sharma, who has been a key part of India’s aggressive start lately, was recently hospitalized with a severe stomach infection. Although he has been discharged, he is still recovering from a high fever and weight loss, making it very unlikely that he will play today.
Things got worse when Ishan Kishan picked up an injury during a net session. With both primary openers potentially out, India might have to get creative. Sanju Samson is the most likely candidate to step up and open the batting, which is a massive opportunity for him after being dropped earlier in the year.
Bowlers Returning to the Fold
On a more positive note, there is some good news regarding the bowling department. India’s pace spearhead, who missed the opening game against the USA due to a fever, is expected to return to the starting XI today. This return is crucial for India to find their rhythm before the bigger games in the tournament.
However, his return means someone has to sit out. Mohammed Siraj has been impactful, but the management might have to make a difficult tactical decision to balance the squad.
Siraj has become a household name thanks to his high-energy performances for RCB, where he is a top pick for fans following 10CRIC – IPL betting trends and team news. The match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium will be a big test for the bowling unit to see if they can maintain pressure against a spirited Namibian side.
Namibia’s No Minnows Mentality
Namibia isn’t coming into this match just to make up the numbers. Their all-rounder Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton has been very vocal about the team’s goals, stating that they are here to compete with the bigger nations. Namibia has qualified for four straight T20 World Cups and even beat South Africa in a T20I late last year.
They are led by Gerhard Erasmus and have shown that they can be a dangerous side if a top-tier team takes them too lightly.
After losing their opener to the Netherlands, the Eagles are desperate for a win, so expect that they’ll be looking to exploit any lack of cohesion in the reshuffled Indian lineup.
The Nepal Wave Hits the Wankhede
In other World Cup news in India, Nepal is facing Italy at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. This match is expected to draw a massive crowd of over 35,000 Nepalese supporters. Nepal nearly pulled off a huge upset against England recently, losing by only four runs.
The atmosphere in Mumbai is expected to feel like a home game for Nepal. Italy’s captain Wayne Madsen has noted that his team would rather play in front of a packed, passionate crowd than an empty stadium, even if the fans are cheering for the opposition.
Mid-Tournament Setbacks for Sri Lanka
While India deals with illness, co-hosts Sri Lanka are dealing with a major injury blow. Star spinner Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out of the entire World Cup due to a hamstring injury. Dushan Hemantha has been named as his replacement.
In their match against Oman today, Sri Lanka managed to post a massive 225/5 despite the loss of their star bowler. Kusal Mendis and Dasun Shanaka both hit half-centuries to put their team in a strong position.
Conclusion
It will be quite a bumpy road for India and other teams that are already facing injuries as early as now. Will things get better, or will these teams have more to deal with to bring themselves out to the Super Stage? Be sure to watch the next World Cup matches on platforms like JioStar and Star Sports on TV in India, and Sky Sports in the UK.
